Lymphocyte/monocyte ratio in osteoarticular tuberculosis in children: a haematological biomarker revisited. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Agarwal, Anil; Bhat, Mohd Shafi; Kumar, Anubrat; Shaharyar, Abbas; Mishra, Madhusudhan; Yadav, Rajeev
• Is Part Of: Tropical doctor. Volume 46:Number 2(2016:Apr.)
• Page Start: 73
• Page End: 77
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Osteoarticular tuberculosis -- children -- lymphocyte -- monocytes -- erthrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR); Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing Countries -- Periodicals; Tropical Medicine -- Periodicals; Tropische geneeskunde; 616.9883
• DOI: 10.1177/0049475515609244
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0049-4755

Abstract

Introduction: *Work attributed to Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya, Geeta Colony, Delhi-110031(India) This study tested the hypothesis whether the lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (L/M ratio) altered significantly during treatment of paediatric osteoarticular tuberculosis (OATB) for it to be a useful monitor of the response to therapy. Material and methods: Thirty immunocompetent paediatric patients with OATB treated with 6 months of uninterrupted multidrug anti-tubercular treatment with resultant clinical and radiological healing of the lesion were included. Haemoglobin, total leucocyte, monocyte and lymphocyte count, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were collected at 0, 2 and 6 months, and were analysed. Results: The L/M ratio altered from high (11) at the start of treatment towards normalisation (9) at 2 months and (7.7) at 6 months. There was no correlation with declining ESR levels. Conclusions: The L/M ratio may have potential as an effective biomarker response.